The further suspension of production at Monaghan Poultry Products
by order of the Department of Agriculture and Food has been
described by Sinn Fein Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin as
a ``devastating blow''.

Production has ceased again at Monaghan Poultry Products as a
result of an order from the Department of Agriculture and Food,
which cites alleged non-compliance with EU regulations by the
company. Production cannot be resumed until the company complies
with EU directives to the Department's satisfaction. Commenting
on this development Deputy Ó Caoláin said:

``The suspension of production at Monaghan Poultry Products, a
mainstay of the economy of this region, is a devastating blow. It
has potentially grave consequences for all 300 jobs at the
Monaghan plant and for the suppliers of poultry to the company
who rely on this outlet for their livelihood.

``I have met management and I have been in contact with SIPTU
representatives and the IFA as the crisis developed. All are
agreed that any long-term suspension of production could fatally
undermine this operation, leading to the loss of 300 jobs. The
potentially disastrous consequences for the more than 100
growers, breeder-growers, hauliers and others who supply and
service the plant and the knock-on effect in ancillary services
would be a massive blow to the economy of Co. Monaghan and of the
entire region.

``I understand that the company is not, on its own, in a position
to make the very large investment needed to fully comply with
stringent EU requirements. I am calling on the Minister for
Agriculture and Food Joe Walsh TD and the Minister for
Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Harney TD, to intervene
directly. They should work with the company, with SIPTU and with
the IFA to put together a rescue package and provide direct
financial aid to ensure that the plant is fully compliant with
all regulations and directives.

``The health of consumers is paramount and I recognise the need to
ensure that all safety requirements are strictly met. However a
very heavy burden is imposed on smaller production units like
MPP, in comparison to the much larger units, which predominate
throughout the EU. In the absence of aid to those companies in
difficulty with compliance there is a suspicion that the EU and
the Irish authorities are imposing a far more stringent regime on
smaller producers in order to `rationalise' production in favour
of the larger operations. In order to allay these fears and save
the jobs at MPP I urge the direct intervention of the relevant
Ministers.''